Why am I so angry and what can I do about it? (Problem/solution argument) We oft

Why am I so angry and what can I do about it?
(Problem/solution argument)
We often think things should be different than the way they are. Perhaps I can be a bit of a malcontent, because that often happens for me. However, rather than simply being a malcontent, writing an analytical argument about the thing you hate may be a way of better understanding this thing that bothers you while also possibly helping you find a solution to this problem.
There are two versions of this experience: one focused on your life in college and one focused on your life outside class.
We’re going to work on this experience over the next few weeks, completing a final experience that acts as a summation of all that we’ve engaged with so far this semester.
To begin, you’re going to have to choose what you want to argue, whether about your life in college or just your life.
Version 1: College EditionVersion 2: Life Edition
Because I’ve spent many years teaching college, I’m familiar with the kinds of things students are discontented with, like 8:00 a.m. classes. Personally, I like 8:00 a.m. classes, but students look on them as a form of cruel and unusual punishment. They figure they can’t do anything about the existence of 8:00 a.m. classes except hope to schedule their own classes during other times.
But what if you could persuade those who do have power to change the thing you hate? What if those who hate 8:00 a.m. classes could convince the people who schedule things like 8:00 a.m. classes that 8:00 a.m. classes shouldn’t exist, not because students hate them, but because they do not help fulfill the mission of the institution that schedules 8:00 a.m. classes?
Tackling a problem that shows itself in your own day-to-day life is your next writing-related problem. Something is not as it should be, and you wish it were different.
In the town where I used to live, they spent many months and many dollars remaking one of the main roads that runs north to south, going from two lanes in each direction to three lanes, with a big, raised median in the middle. We were promised it would enhance our lives, and to some degree it worked, allowing cars to move more freely, except at a couple of intersections, where they made the left turn lanes branching off the main three lanes too short.
Because of this, traffic often backs up as people are waiting in a lane that should be moving because they don’t have enough room to get into the turn lane.
I don’t know what it says about me that this made me irrationally upset every time it caused me a delay, but it does. I want my town to remedy this situation.
This will be your task in this assignment: something is not as it should be and you wish it were different.
AUDIENCE
You are writing for the someone (or someones) who has the power to make the change you seek.
AUDIENCE
You are writing for the someone (or someones) who has the power to make the change you seek.
PURPOSE
You want to persuade. But remember, this is not the persuasion of a small child throwing a tantrum until the authority figure gives in. You need to convince your audience that this change is in everyone’s best interest, not just your own.
PURPOSE
You want to persuade. But remember, this is not the persuasion of a small child throwing a tantrum until the authority figure gives in. You need to convince your audience that this change is in everyone’s best interest, not just your own.
Process:Process:
During class:
1. Feel the hate.
Let loose all the dislike you feel about anything school related. Visualize your day. What are the problems?* What could be better? Write down everything you can think of, no matter how trivial it might seem, but try to focus on policies and procedures rather than individuals. You’re supposed to be in school to learn things and prepare for the future you desire. What stands in the way between you and learning?
2. Find your focus.
From your list, pick an item that seems important to you that also might impact others. It should be something that, if you can solve it, will have a positive impact on the school (or beyond).
During class:
1. Feel the hate.
Let loose all the dislikes you have about the way the world operates around you. Visualize your day. What are the problems? What could be better? Maybe it’s something at work or even in your own household. Write down everything you can think of, no matter how trivial it might seem, but try to focus on policies and procedures rather than individuals. You’re moving through your day-to-day life, trying to achieve certain goals. What prevents you from achieving those goals?
2. Find your focus.
From your list, pick an item that seems important to you and also might impact others. It should be something that, if you can solve it, will have a positive impact on the world beyond yourself.
For next class:
3. Consider your audience choices.
What are all the different groups that are affected by this problem? List them. There will be many. We call these people “stakeholders.” Which one seems both persuadable and able to make change? This is your audience.
4. Analyze your audience.
Which decision maker(s) are you going to write to? Why have you chosen them? Consider your audience’s needs, attitudes, and knowledge regarding your subject.
5. Make your case that a problem exists.
Write an argument that describes and illustrates the problem to the best of your ability without relying on any additional sources. This is only based on your experience, but remember what you know about your audience. What can you say that will persuade them to agree with you that this is a problem worthy of their attention? You are not complaining. While you are working, feel free to feel your feelings and vent to anyone who will listen, but remember that, in the end, that venting is a pressure release, not an effective method of persuading an audience to take action to help solve the problem.
For next class:
3. Consider your audience choices.
What are all the different groups affected by this problem? List them. There will be many. We call these people “stakeholders.” Which one seems both persuadable and able to make change? This is your audience. In my case, maybe I want to rally the public to the cause. Or would it be better to petition the town council directly, since they’re the ones who have to ultimately make the change happen?
4. Analyze your audience.
Which decision maker(s) are you going to write to? Why have you chosen them? Consider your audience’s needs, attitudes, and knowledge regarding your subject.
5. Make your case that a problem exists.
Write an argument that describes and illustrates the problem to the best of your ability without relying on any additional sources. This is only based on your experience, but remember what you know about your audience. What can you say that will persuade them to agree with you that this is a problem worthy of their attention? You are not complaining. While you are working, feel free to feel your feelings and vent to anyone who will listen, but remember that in the end that venting is a pressure release, not an effective method of persuading an audience to take action to help solve the problem
Submit your draft of your argument, illustrating the idea to the best of the ability without outside sources, by the due date below.
MLA format. Aim for 250+ words in this down draft, as the final paper will be 500-750 words.